§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the report which has been submitted to him by the advisory 227W board for the research councils about the decrease in the numbers of scientists from research laboratories; and what action he proposes to take resulting from the findings of the report.
§ Mr. WaldenThe "brain drain" inquiry of the advisory board for the research councils sought evidence from some 40 university and other research groups about the flows of natural scientists into and out of the United Kingdom. The inquiry found evidence of increasing losses overseas of talented students, post-doctoral research workers and more senior scientists. The findings of the inquiry were published last month and copies were placed in the Library.
In response to the findings, my right hon. Friend intends to add £45 million to the science budget compared with previous plans over the three years 1986–87 to 1988–89. My right hon. Friend also intends to increase the amount available to the University Grants Committee for the improvement of equipment in selected centres of research from £7 million to £10 million in each of the financial years 1986–87 and 1987–88 and to make the same provision in 1988–89. The additions to the science budget will be distributed following advice from the ABRC. The UGC will be responsible for distributing the selective equipment funds. My right hon. Friend hopes that together the additional provisions will provide more opportunities and better facilities for talented scientists to pursue their work in this country.